Sailing in San Diego

Sailing in San Diego is a world-class experience! We share our favorite sunset cruises & private sailing tours plus best times & places to sail, tips & more!
Amanda Rosa
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Sailing in San Diego
Sailing in San Diego
Best Time to Go Sailing
Featured Activity
Best Sailing Experiences
Where to Go Sailing
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Tips & Know Before You Go
Where to Stay

Our Guide to Sailing in San Diego

CFJ Regatta in Mission BayRental Dock on Sail Bay at Catamaran Resort

If you are searching for a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy on the water, sailing in San Diego might be just what you’re looking for!

Spending the day with the wind in your sails is a thrilling adventure, sure to promise lifelong memories. Whether you’re visiting the area as a solo traveler, with friends, or your family, everyone can enjoy the day sailing on the waters of San Diego.

I personally think the main reasons San Diego offers memorable sailing opportunities is because of its beautiful scenery and mild year-round weather. So no matter if you are visiting or live in the area, sailing in San Diego with a sailing tour or with a sailboat rental is an activity I really think you should try.

Sailing off of Mission Bay Yacht Club on El Carmel Point
Sailing off of Mission Bay Yacht Club on El Carmel Point

How to Go Sailing in San Diego

There are a few good options for sailing in San Diego.

My son is learning to sail out of the San Diego Yacht Club. There is also the Mission Bay Yacht Club, Harbor Island Yacht and SailTime Yacht Club to name a few. It may be possible to rent a sailboat and even take a sailing lesson from these locations.

If you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride rather than sail yourself, San Diego offers some really beautiful sailing tours like my personal favorite, the San Diego Sunset and Day Sailing Excursion with Drinks.

The Beautiful Star of India
The Beautiful Star of India

San Diego’s Sailing History

San Diego has a rich sailing history that dates back hundreds of years.

The Kumeyaay were skilled seafarers that traveled the coast in canoes made of pine or redwood. Their intimate knowledge of the bay, currents, and sea life was an essential part of San Diego pre-colonization.

In the mid 1500s, Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first visited the area and in the late 1700s, the Spanish established a permanent settlement, using sailing vessels for trade, communication and transportation around the coast.

The 19th century turned sailing into a recreational activity! The founding of one of the first yacht clubs on the West Coast took place here in 1852.

In 1911, the U.S. Navy established a permanent presence in the area, using its strategic location, natural harbor, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean as an ideal base, further cementing sailing with San Diego’s economy, heritage, and culture.

Maritime Museum in Harborview, San Diego
Maritime Museum in Harborview, San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego

If you’re interested in sailing and San Diego history, consider visiting the Maritime Museum of San Diego where you can view world-class National Historic Landmark Vessels.

With a Go City San Diego pass you can combine your visit with top attractions throughout the city, including the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and San Diego Zoo. Use the discount code GVSD5OFF for a bonus savings!

Sail Bay Beach in Front of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Sail Bay Beach in Front of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Where to Stay When Sailing in San Diego

If you’d like to go sailing on one of the many sailing tours on your next trip to San Diego and would like my overall choice for a place to stay, I suggest you consider the beachfront Polynesian-themed Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa for your stay.

Situated on the north edge of Mission Bay between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, you’ll be well located for a sailing trip on Mission Bay or from the San Diego Bay.

With 310 guest rooms, luxury amenities, and San Diego’s only beachfront spa, your stay is guaranteed to have something for everyone in your group.

Plus, with a Zagat-rated on-site restaurant, cafes, lush, tropical gardens, and access to their private beach, you’ll feel like you’re in a little world of your own.

The Best Time to Go Sailing in San Diego

Sailing Race in Mission Bay
Sailing Race in Mission Bay

San Diego is famous for its ideal year-round weather. In fact, people often refer to San Diego as “America’s Finest City” because of its moderate temperatures, amenities, and year-round events.

San Diego averages about 300 days each year that are filled with sunshine!

While San Diego has beautiful weather throughout the year, what you will experience sailing will depend on when you choose to go. Each season offers varying sailing experiences and you can go sailing any time of the year as long as the wind is consistent and the ocean is not stormy.

Sunset Sail on Mission Bay
Sunset Sail on Mission Bay

Sailing in Summer

Consistent winds, pleasant temperatures, and sunny skies make summer one of the best times to sail in San Diego.

Not only will you get to see famous sites like the iconic Coronado Bridge and beautiful Downtown San Diego, you’ll also have a variety of options to choose from.

From charters, to lessons, to races, summer is bustling and perfect for tourists visiting the area that would like to go sailing!

Beautiful Morning Sail off of Mission Bay Yacht Club on El Carmel Point
Beautiful Morning Sail off of Mission Bay Yacht Club on El Carmel Point

Sailing in Fall

If you’re looking for a more relaxed, less crowded sailing experience, fall may be the perfect time to book your experience.

Fall in San Diego delivers plenty of mild temperatures, comfortable breezes, and coastal foliage making one of my favorite times of the year to go sailing.

Winter Time Skyline Over the San Diego Bay
Winter Time Skyline Over the San Diego Bay

Sailing in Winter

If you’re aiming to spend the day out in warm weather and spend some time on the beach, then spring or summer may be the best time for your sailing adventure.

However, for a remarkable sailing day, winter may actually be ideal!

The winter months in San Diego boast the ability for visitors to witness whales migrating along the coast. Sailing is the ultimate opportunity to observe this incredible moment and book a whale watching tour.

A Beautiful Day of Sailing on Mission Bay
A Beautiful Day of Sailing on Mission Bay

Sailing in Spring

Like the fall, spring offers a less crowded, more relaxed vibe than during the summer.

Plus, with spring’s moderate winds, you may find this season has consistent, enjoyable sailing weather.

If you’re lucky, you may spot whales as they migrate off the coast ahead of summer.

Local Tips
Sailing With Whales
If you decide to learn to sail in winter, you’ll be treated to some whale sightings. The Pacific gray whales migrate along the coast of San Diego.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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The Best Sailing Experiences in San Diego

San Diego’s beautiful coastline makes it an ideal destination for sailing.

From viewing the San Diego skyline to whale watching to lessons to private charters and more, there’s an opportunity to board a sailboat and go sailing for everyone that visits the area!

Unforgettable memories await! Our team’s favorite San Diego sailing experiences are below!

Sailboat and Downtown San Diego and Harborview Skyline

San Diego Bay Sunset & Daytime Sailing Experience

The 2-hour San Diego Bay Sunset & Daytime Sailing Experience lets you choose from either a daytime or sunset cruise experience.

Highlights of the sailing trip include views of the San Diego skyline, North Island Coronado Naval Station, and some of San Diego’s local marine wildlife. Keep an eye out for sea lions, dolphins, and more, as you head out from Harbor Island.

Why We Love It

Looking for a private tour? No problem! The crew behind the San Diego Bay Sunset & Daytime Sailing Experience offers both small and private groups for your tour. There are just 6 seats on the vessel so book them all for your group and you’ll be on a private sailing.

And while many tours don’t allow outside food, you’re able to bring your own food and snacks onboard.

Stay Near the Sailing Tour

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is right on Harbor Island, close to the San Diego International Airport (SAN).

This family-friendly hotel has a lot of fun amenities, like fire pits, an outdoor pool, waterfront views, and its own marina.

The hotel is located in a prime location with access to more than just sailing. From the hotel you can have fun exploring San Diego’s beautiful outdoors via bikes, stand up paddle boards or paddle boats.

Classic Yacht Sailing Experience in San Diego Bay

Classic Yacht Sailing Experience in San Diego

Certainly one of the most unique ways to tour the city is via a sailing vessel and our next tour offers a unique sailboat for the experience. The Classic Yacht Sailing Experience in San Diego will have you touring the city aboard the beautiful Liberty!

The tour will have you on the water with views of the skyline, the USS Midway Aircraft, sea lions, and more on this elegant 1904-styled Friendship sloop.

This family-friendly tour is tailored to small groups for a 2.5 hour trip that will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

Why We Love It

To me, this tour is all about the beautiful Liberty sailboat!

Not only will you get a guided tour but you’ll also get to learn and feel like a member of the crew as you go deeper into the traditional sailing techniques needed to sail this incredible vessel.

Stay Near the Sailing Tour

As a luxury, recently renovated hotel on a private beach, the Polynesian themed Kona Kai San Diego Resort, is one of my favorite hotels in the area.

With beautiful rooms that offer either garden or marina views, plus a waterfront restaurant and great location, I think the hotel is perfect for couples. My wife and I look forward to relaxing by the pool, warming up around the firepit or getting out on the bay on a morning sail from just up the way from the resort!

Sailing a CFJ in Mission Bay San Diego

San Diego Sunset and Day Sailing Excursion with Drinks

The 2.5-hour San Diego Sunset and Day Sailing Excursion with Drinks lets you tour the area with the local captain as your guide and a drink in your hand.

You’ll get to view San Diego’s iconic landmarks and learn about the city’s rich history as you relax with a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, and water.

Keep an eye out for the favorite San Diego locals, the seals, as you leave the harbor.

Why We Love It

This tour isn’t just about sightseeing.

Their goal is to share their local knowledge of the city’s rich and diverse culture, whether you’re local or a visitor, for lasting memories.

Stay Near the Sailing Tour

Easily one of the nicest, and our favorite hotels in Liberty Station, staying at the Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station, a Marriott property, is a straightforward choice.

This great location will have you near plenty of dining options in the Public Market as well as near parks and waterfront views.

Sunset over Boats in the Harbor on Shelter Island

San Diego: Relax on a Morning, Day or Sunset Luxury Sail

If your itinerary is packed while in the area, the 2-3-hour San Diego: Relax on a Morning, Day or Sunset Luxury Sail gives you choices for taking in panoramic views of the city.

The tour’s US Coast Guard-certified captains will bring you close to famous landmarks like the Star of India, Coronado Island, and the Point Loma Lighthouse.

Depending on the weather, this beautiful 40-ft sailing yacht may just head out into the Pacific for magnificent views of the coastline.

Why We Love It

I like that this tour has options for a morning sail, a daytime sail or a sunset sail so you can fit sailing into your itinerary where it makes the most sense for you.

I also felt like the crew on this sailing trip was prepared for the elements. Being out of the water can get chilly, and this tour has both blankets and binoculars onboard for your usage.

Stay Near the Sailing Tour

Humphreys Half Moon Inn offers its guests live music, classic Southern California comfort and hospitality, palm trees everywhere, and a fun pool all in a tropical resort-style hotel.

Located on Shelter Island, be sure to book a room that overlooks the music venue, Humphrey's by the Bay, if you want to enjoy the vibe without leaving your room.

Popular Hotels Nearby
Popular Hotels
Price
Bahia Resort Hotel
$199
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
$179
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Bay Club Hotel & Marina
$153
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Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
$159
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The Best Places to Go Sailing in San Diego

Kids having fun while Sailing at Sunset on Mission Bay
Kids having fun while Sailing at Sunset on Mission Bay

The calm waters of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay are the top spots for setting sail in San Diego.

You could also go sailing on the Pacific Ocean, rent a catamaran, or hire a yacht charter to sail to locations such as Catalina Island. These adventures would take you well beyond San Diego, so for this article, we’ll focus mostly on sailing in San Diego’s two beautiful bays!

Each bay boasts its own benefits and unique features, so it can be pretty hard to decide which is the best sailing option for you! If you’d like to really dive deep into this topic, check out our article comparing Mission Bay and San Diego Bay for more details!

Kids Sailing on Mission Bay
Kids Sailing on Mission Bay

Mission Bay - Especially Near Sail Bay

Personally, Mission Bay is my favorite location for sailing in the San Diego area. The waters are often smooth with minimal chop. You don’t have to worry about large ships and military vessels like you would on the San Diego Bay.

The Sail Bay area of Mission Bay is the most popular area for sailing. Know that there are bridges throughout Mission Bay, so it is primarily for smaller sail boats.

Sail Bay can be found on the peninsula of Mission Beach on the northern corner of the bay. Visitors who choose Sail Bay will experience an area north of Mission Beach Peninsula to Riviera Drive on Crown Point.

There are a few options for getting to Sail Bay. However, Fanuel Street Park is a popular choice because of its large parking lot and restrooms that are available to the public.

You can find another entry point at the intersection between Riviera Drive and Moorland Drive, commonly referred to as Riviera Shores Beach.

Kids Love Sailing in San Diego Bay
Kids Love Sailing in San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay

The beautiful San Diego Bay, also referred to as “The Big Bay,” is another sailing hotspot in San Diego. Larger sail boats are more commonly seen in San Diego Bay because it’s more open and there are no bridges that can interfere.

There are a wide number of options for renting boats or booking a private charter in San Diego Bay. Many of the sailing tours will also depart out of the San Diego Bay.

In addition, there are four Port District launches that connect to the bay: San Diego (Shelter Island), National City (Pepper Park), Chula Vista (J Street Park) and Coronado (near Glorietta Bay).

Speed Up with Go Pass!
The Flagship Patriot Jet Boat
The Flagship Patriot Jet Boat
Looking for a fun ride out on the bay? Hop on The Flagship Patriot Jet Boat? Grab your Go Pass and enjoy tricks and turns performed by your skilled captain. You'll fly across the water in an open-air boat during your heart racing ride!
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Local Tips
How much can you save by using the Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass is the perfect way to explore more attractions and activities that the area has to offer, all while being cost-efficient.

With the Go City San Diego pass, you can save up to 55% off admission fees at some of the area’s most popular attractions.

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Tips for Sailing in San Diego

Sailing next to Paradise Point on Vacation Isle in Mission Bay
Sailing next to Paradise Point on Vacation Isle in Mission Bay

Before heading out on your next sailing adventure in San Diego, there’s a few tips that will help you make the most out of the experience.

  • Safety First - Be sure to listen to the crew and familiarize yourself with the necessary safety items on board. Remember to respect the boat and crew. They’re there for you.
  • Dress Appropriately - Wear layers as the weather on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay or Mission Bay can be unpredictable. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
  • Pack the Essentials - Don’t forget to stay hydrated, and if you’re prone to seasickness, have the necessary medication such as ginger chews or other motion sickness medication on hand.

Looking to Save on Tickets?
Save on Tickets
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Stay Nearby

Bahia Resort Hotel
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Bahia Resort Hotel
from $199 / night
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Bayfront
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
from $179 / night
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Bay Club Hotel & Marina
Bayfront
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
from $153 / night
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Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
from $159 / night
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Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
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Mission Bay Private Duffy Boat Rental
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